Modern Foreign Languages teacher Kate Melhorn was recently invited to speak at the Association for Language Learning, advising fellow senior educators and other top schools from around the country in developing career skills and pathways within MFL.

This followed the remarkable success of the ‘Careers in Languages’ evening at St Dunstan’s College, which was attended by hundreds of students not only from St Dunstan’s but also other local secondary schools.

Presenting to Heads of Department and curriculum leaders for languages from around the UK, Kate’s talk at the Association for Language Learning was entitled “Boosting A-Level languages: Practical strategies that work”, sharing how other schools could replicate elements of the careers event in their own school or region, helping to boost take-up of languages at A-Level.

Speaking about the importance of studying languages at A-Level, particularly in our ever-changing digital world, Kate said: “The number of students studying languages in the UK to A level and beyond is generally in decline across both the independent and state sectors.”

“Studying a language to a high-level fosters empathy as well as improving critical thinking and problem-solving abilities."

"If we look at AI in 2026 it is apparent that we desperately need more professionals with expertise in STEM that also possess high levels of empathy and the ability to view the world from multiple perspectives.”

Regarding the next Careers in Languages event, which will take place at St Dunstan’s College on the evening of Thursday 8 October 2026, Kate said: “It will be even bigger and better than last time, and we will have a theatrical element in addition to our exciting language taster sessions and inspiring speakers.”

Head of Futures, Rebecca Redding, said: “We are delighted that our Careers in Languages event has found so much success, and has been able to inspire other schools.”

“It is a reflection of the deep importance we place on readying students for the job market, introducing students on the wide range of opportunities that are available to them, and giving them the tools and skills to thrive in the rapidly changing world of work.”

If you would be interested in talking at the next Careers in Languages evening on Thursday 8 October 2026 and helping to inspire the next generation of polyglots, please get in touch with Kate Melhorn at kmelhorn@stdunstans.org.uk